The Carolina Panthers got yesterday off and returned to the field today for their third padded practice of 2020 training camp.
Here are a few takeaways from the media.
QB2 candidate P.J. Walker impresses
Our favorite to win the competition to be starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s backup had a strong showing. One beat reporter said it was Walker’s best practice yet, showing some zip on his throws as well as accuracy.
Panthers backup quarterback P.J. Walker is having one of his best practices. Started one team drill 5-5 with a touchdown pass on a bullet to DJ Moore on his first attempt. Accuracy carried over to individual drills as he battled Will Grier to be Teddy… https://t.co/fU1tYog1gj
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 20, 2020
Walker will need to beat out Will Grier to get the job. If he can demonstrate better processing speed and decision making, it will give him a significant edge over Grier, who struggled with both as a rookie.
Rookie punter raises more concerns
One of the more concerning developments so far has been the performance of rookie punter Joseph Charlton, who will be replacing the injured Michael Palardy this season. Apparently, Charlton booted one punt over the wall.
Joseph Charlton shanked a punt over a wall again, but different part of the field. 🤷♀️
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 20, 2020
This wasn’t his first time, either.
Panthers new punter Joseph Charlton has struggled the last two days. Here’s his first punt in drills near the end of practice. @wfnz @wbtradio pic.twitter.com/7FRqRontZ2
— Brett Jensen (@Brett_Jensen) August 17, 2020
Not ideal.
Charlton has plenty of power, though and fans should expect some bumps in the road as he gets adjusted to life in the NFL.
In fairness, Joe Charlton has a big leg and got off some boomers. He’s just prone to the occasional sidewinder.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 20, 2020
That said, the Panthers may explore veteran options if he continues to bomb occasionally.
Receiving weapons still on point
If the special teams unit is the biggest weak point of this team, it’s only fair to talk about their greatest strength, as well. On that point, the Panthers’ pass-catching weapons put in another good day.
The Charlotte Observer says Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson keep getting open and not dropping the ball.
There are three players who absolutely don’t drop balls and almost always seem to be open.
1. DJ Moore
2. Robby Anderson
3. Christian McCaffrey.— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 20, 2020
Moore might have made the play of the day by making a catch over the middle on a pass from Teddy Bridgewater in 11-on-11 drills.
#Panthers practice over. Long session today. Highlight for me was a DJ Moore catch late in team drills over the middle in traffic from Bridgewater.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 20, 2020
McCaffrey, Moore and Anderson could wind up leading the team in targets this season. If tight end Ian Thomas and the underrated receiver Curtis Samuel can also contribute, this is going to be a very difficult passing offense to scheme against.
